Temporal Hollowing

Overview

Temporal hollowing describes flattening on the side of the skull, usually after injury or a previous cranial procedure. This can occur if the muscle on the side of the scalp has been damaged. A depression on the side of the head can be seen even after the skull has been reconstructed with an implant because the loss of muscle has not been addressed.

Reconstruction of the temporal hollowing can be performed with several different techniques. These include placement of a new implant to make up for the loss in tissue, repositioning of the damaged muscle, or placement of fat into the hollow areas to mask the hollow area. The Neuroplastic Surgery Team offers all of these options and will work with you to identify the best treatment for your needs.

We strongly believe that the best treatment for patients with skull and cranial abnormalities is with a team approach. A group of specialists, who collaborate to achieve the best decisions for each patient, decides on every procedure.

Comprehensive Care Center

Neuroplastic Center

Case Example

Before

After

Notice the depression on the scalp which is corrected with a cranioplasty procedure.

Treatment

Reconstruction of the temporal hollowing can be performed with several different techniques. These include placement of a new implant to make up for the loss in tissue, repositioning of the damaged muscle, or placement of fat into the hollow areas to mask the hollow area. The Neuroplastic Surgery Team offers all of these options and will work with you to identify the best treatment for your needs.

Team Care

We strongly believe that the best treatment for patients with skull and cranial abnormalities is with a team approach. A group of specialists, who collaborate to achieve the best decisions for each patient, decides on every procedure.

Our Craniofacial Team

Albert Woo, MD

Associate Professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Chief, Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Director, Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Paul Y. Liu, MD

Professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital

Daniel Kwan, MD

Assistant Professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Chief of Reconstructive Surgery, Lifespan Physician Group

Loree K. Kalliainen, MD, MA

Associate Professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgeon, Lifespan Physician Group Plastic Surgery

Konstantina A. Svokos, DO, MS

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics
Director, Fetal Neurosurgery
Co-Director, Neuroplastics
Co-Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine

Petra M. Klinge, MD, PhD

Professor of Neurosurgery
Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery Division
Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine

Neuroplastic Center
593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 444-3457
Fax: (401) 444-2788